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Preventing pressure ulcers

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Pressure ulcers are also called bedsores, or pressure sores. They can form when your skin and soft tissue press against a harder surface, such as a chair or bed, for a prolonged time. This pressure reduces blood supply to that area. Lack of blood supply can cause the skin tissue in this area to become damaged or die. When this happens, a pressure ulcer may form.

You have a risk of developing a pressure ulcer if you:

Spend most of your day in a bed or a chair with minimal movement

Are overweight or underweight

Are not able to control your bowels or bladder

Have decreased feeling in an area of your body

Spend a lot of time in one position

You will need to take steps to prevent these problems.

Self-care

You, or your caregiver, need to check your body every day from head to toe. Pay special attention to the areas where pressure ulcers often form. These areas are the:

Heels and ankles

Knees

Hips

Spine

Tailbone area

Elbows

Shoulders and shoulder blades

Back of the head

Ears

Call your health care provider if you see early signs of pressure ulcers. These signs are:

Skin redness

Warm areas

Spongy or hard skin

Breakdown of the top layers of skin or a sore

Treat your skin gently to help prevent pressure ulcers.

When washing, use a soft sponge or cloth. DO NOT scrub hard.

Use moisturizing cream and skin protectants on your skin every day.

Clean and dry areas underneath your breasts and in your groin.

DO NOT use talc powder or strong soaps.

Try not to take a bath or shower every day. It can dry out your skin more.

Sit on a foam or gel seat cushion that fits your wheelchair. Natural sheepskin pads are also helpful to reduce pressure on the skin. DO NOT sit on a donut-shaped cushions.

You or your caregiver should shift your weight in your wheelchair every 15 to 20 minutes. This will take pressure off certain areas and maintain blood flow:

Lean forward

Lean to one side, then lean to the other side

If you transfer yourself (move to or from your wheelchair), lift your body up with your arms. DO NOT drag yourself. If you are having trouble transferring into your wheelchair, ask a physical therapist to teach you the proper technique.

If your caregiver transfers you, make sure they know the proper way to move you.

When You Are in Bed

Use a foam mattress or one that is filled with gel or air. Place pads under your bottom to absorb wetness to help keep your skin dry.

Use a soft pillow or a piece of soft foam between parts of your body that press against each other or against your mattress.

When you are lying on your side, put a pillow or foam between your knees and ankles.

When you are lying on your back, put a pillow or foam:

Under your heels. Or, place a pillow under your calves to lift up your heels, another way to relieve pressure on your heels.

Under your tailbone area.

Under your shoulders and shoulder blades.

Under your elbows.

Other tips are:

DO NOT put pillows under your knees. It puts pressure on your heels.

Never drag yourself to change your position or get in or out of bed. Dragging causes skin breakdown. Get help if you need moving in bed or getting in or out of bed.

If someone else moves you, they should lift you or use a draw sheet (a special sheet used for this purpose) to move you.

Change your position every 1 to 2 hours to keep the pressure off any one spot.

Sheets and clothing should be dry and smooth, with no wrinkles.

Remove any objects such as pins, pencils or pens, or coins from your bed.

DO NOT raise the head of your bed to more than a 30 degree angle. Being flatter keeps your body from sliding down. Sliding may harm your skin.

Check your skin often for any areas of skin breakdown.

When to Call the Doctor

Call your provider right away if:

You notice a sore, redness, or any other change in your skin that last for more than a few days or becomes painful, warm, or begins to drain pus.

Your wheelchair does not fit.

Talk to your provider if you have questions about pressure ulcers and how to prevent them.

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